Method of splicing two optical fiber cables

Abstract

A method of splicing two optical fiber cables uses a glass multi-ferrule having a series of parallel axis internal capillary channels opening onto respective end surfaces of the multi-ferrule and two exterior reference surfaces. An adhesive that is polymerized by ultraviolet light is introduced into these channels. The multi-ferrule is cut into three sections. The splicing is achieved by jointing the outermost two sections.

There is claimed: 
     
       1. Method of splicing two optical fiber cables using a unitary glass multi-ferrule having a coplanar series of parallel axis internal capillary channels opening onto respective end surfaces of said multi-ferrule and two exterior reference surfaces, and wherein said multi-ferrule includes two parallel grooves provided orthogonal to the plane of said channels and intersecting said channels, said method comprising: introducing adhesive into said channels,   inserting stripped ends of the fibers of the two cables into respective channels through said end surfaces until they substantially reach a central part of said multi-ferrule where they are immobilized,   cutting exposed portions of the stripped ends of the fibers at said two parallel grooves and cutting said multi-ferrule into sections delineated by said two parallel grooves transversely to the axis of the fibers to either side of said central part to obtain two multi-ferrule sections fastened to respective cables and an intermediate multi-ferrule section which is discarded, and   aligning said two multi-ferrule sections in a splicing body comprising guide means for respective common reference surfaces of said multi-ferrule sections and, before said multi-ferrule sections are brought into contact at said respective common reference surfaces, injecting a refractive index matching gel into said body at the interfaces of said fibers.   
     
     
       2. Method according to claim 1 wherein additional grooves are provided on the opposite side of said multi-ferrule from said parallel grooves and in line with said parallel grooves to provide weakened areas facilitating the cutting of said multi-ferrule into said sections. 
     
     
       3. Method according to claim 2 wherein said additional grooves have an asymmetric V-shape. 
     
     
       4. Method according to claim 1 wherein end surfaces of said multi-ferrule include bearing surfaces for insulative material jackets of said cables. 
     
     
       5. Method according to claim 1 wherein the ends of said channels are chamfered to facilitate insertion of said fibers. 
     
     
       6. Method according to claim 1 wherein said fibers are cut in such a way that the cut cross-section of the fibers is oblique to the axis of said channels.